Press Release

A united front for security, a united front for human rights

High-level EU representatives gather on 14 November in Vienna at the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) to find ways of furthering a more effective security union that integrates a fundamental rights approach from the outset.

Ensuring the safety of everyone in the EU is of critical importance. Security measures can only work if they are respectful of human rights and work with and not against all the communities that go to make up European society,” said FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty. “We very much welcome this opportunity to discuss ways of increasing our capacity to combat terrorism and radicalisation, while remaining true to the rule of law and the values of openness and respect on which the EU is based.

I am convinced that the only effective way to tackle terrorism is firmly rooted in the respect of fundamental and human rights. You need to have the widest and fullest possible support across the community for your efforts if they are going to work,” said EU Security Union Commissioner Sir Julian King. “The best way of securing that support is to show that your efforts are firmly rooted in the respect of people’s rights. That’s what we’re trying to defend."

Watch the interview with Sir Julian King, conducted during his visit to the annual meeting of the network of EU Justice and Home Affairs agencies:

The discussions are taking place during the annual meeting of the network of EU Justice and Home Affairs agencies, which is currently chaired by the Fundamental Rights Agency. 

Agency heads are meeting Commissioner King, European Commission Director Generals and representatives from the European Parliament, EU Council and current and future EU Presidencies to discuss the implementation of EU security and migration policies. Participants will also give practical examples of agency cooperation and how their collaboration can further support EU institutions and Member States.

For further information please contact: media@fra.europa.eu  / Tel.: +43 1 580 30 642

Notes to editors: